top of page
ISWIM SWIMMING SCHOOL
Meet the Coaches Behind ISWIM
From first-time swimmers to developing athletes, our coaches provide thoughtful, individualized instruction for children and adults. With experience in competitive swimming, water polo and professional coaching, the ISWIM team helps every swimmer build confidence, improve technique and make meaningful progress.
WHY ISWIM
Coaching That Makes a Difference
Great swimming instruction starts with the right coach. Our team combines technical knowledge, practical experience and personal attention to help every swimmer learn safely and progress with confidence.
Expert Coaching
Learn from qualified coaches with competitive swimming, water polo and professional teaching experience.
Individual Approach
Receive instruction adapted to each swimmer’s age, ability, confidence level and individual goals.
Steady Progress
Build skills in a positive environment that supports confidence, consistency and measurable progress.
MEET THE ISWIM TEAM
Experienced Swimming Coaches Behind Every Confident Swimmer
Meet the people who bring ISWIM programs to life across Burnaby, Abbotsford and Surrey.
Vladimir Ushakov
Founder of ISWIM School
Olympian and coach with Canada’s Men’s 19U National Team. Vladimir competed professionally in water polo for 18 years, represented Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan internationally, and participated in the 2012 Olympic Games. He brings elite international experience to swimming instruction, technical development and athletic performance.
Olympian and coach with Canada’s Men’s 19U National Team. Vladimir competed professionally in water polo for 18 years, represented Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan internationally, and participated in the 2012 Olympic Games. He brings elite international experience to swimming instruction, technical development and athletic performance.
Ekaterina Rogatina
Senior Swim Coach
A former member of the Russian national junior swimming team, Ekaterina brings high-level competitive experience and a detailed understanding of swimming technique to every lesson. She works professionally and positively with students of different ages and abilities, helping each swimmer develop stronger skills, greater confidence and measurable progress in the water.
A former member of the Russian national junior swimming team, Ekaterina brings high-level competitive experience and a detailed understanding of swimming technique to every lesson. She works professionally and positively with students of different ages and abilities, helping each swimmer develop stronger skills, greater confidence and measurable progress in the water.
Nikolai Botsman
Senior Swim Coach
Nikolai brings 17 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 10 years of coaching. He represented his national team at World and European Championships and competed internationally in 10- and 16-kilometre open-water events. His relaxed, analytical coaching helps beginners and experienced swimmers improve technique, confidence and competitive performance.
Nikolai brings 17 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 10 years of coaching. He represented his national team at World and European Championships and competed internationally in 10- and 16-kilometre open-water events. His relaxed, analytical coaching helps beginners and experienced swimmers improve technique, confidence and competitive performance.
Biricik Eroglu
Senior Swim Coach
Biricik began competitive swimming in the Netherlands at age eight and continued her athletic career at Pepperdine University in California. After competing, she developed her coaching career in California before joining ISWIM. Her swimming lessons combine extensive competitive experience with patient instruction, positive encouragement and steady technical progress.
Biricik began competitive swimming in the Netherlands at age eight and continued her athletic career at Pepperdine University in California. After competing, she developed her coaching career in California before joining ISWIM. Her swimming lessons combine extensive competitive experience with patient instruction, positive encouragement and steady technical progress.
Senior Swim Coach
Oleksandr is a swimming coach and personal trainer with 18 years of international experience across Ukraine, India, Kuwait and Canada. A World Cup champion and International-Class Master of Sport in finswimming, he also holds professional qualifications in swimming coaching, physical education and personal training. His lessons combine technical precision with individualized development.
Oleksandr is a swimming coach and personal trainer with 18 years of international experience across Ukraine, India, Kuwait and Canada. A World Cup champion and International-Class Master of Sport in finswimming, he also holds professional qualifications in swimming coaching, physical education and personal training. His lessons combine technical precision with individualized development.
Anna Bubela
Senior Swim Coach
Anna brings 16 years of professional swimming and freediving experience in Ukraine, a master’s degree in Athletic Training in Water Sports and more than six years of coaching. She has taught swimmers of different ages and abilities, including students with special needs, using attentive instruction and carefully planned individual and group lessons.
Anna brings 16 years of professional swimming and freediving experience in Ukraine, a master’s degree in Athletic Training in Water Sports and more than six years of coaching. She has taught swimmers of different ages and abilities, including students with special needs, using attentive instruction and carefully planned individual and group lessons.
Jacob Lucci
Senior Swim Coach
Jacob developed as a competitive water polo player at the provincial and national levels, earning MVP and top-goalscorer honours at the 2018 Western National Championship. He now coaches children from foundational swimming through competitive water polo, creating positive, engaging sessions that build aquatic skills, confidence, teamwork and long-term athletic development.
Jacob developed as a competitive water polo player at the provincial and national levels, earning MVP and top-goalscorer honours at the 2018 Western National Championship. He now coaches children from foundational swimming through competitive water polo, creating positive, engaging sessions that build aquatic skills, confidence, teamwork and long-term athletic development.
Anna Novikova
Senior Swim Coach
Anna holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and specializes in flexible, individualized swim training. Her understanding of motivation and encouragement helps make swimming lessons productive and enjoyable. She adapts instruction to each student’s abilities and goals, supporting swimmers who are learning for recreation as well as those preparing for competitive swimming.
Anna holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and specializes in flexible, individualized swim training. Her understanding of motivation and encouragement helps make swimming lessons productive and enjoyable. She adapts instruction to each student’s abilities and goals, supporting swimmers who are learning for recreation as well as those preparing for competitive swimming.
Vladislav Soslovskyi
Senior Swim Coach
Vladislav is a former professional water polo player with more than 20 years of playing experience in Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia, followed by over 10 years of coaching. With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Physical Education, he helps swimmers and water polo athletes develop strong technique, confidence and effective training habits.
Vladislav is a former professional water polo player with more than 20 years of playing experience in Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia, followed by over 10 years of coaching. With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Physical Education, he helps swimmers and water polo athletes develop strong technique, confidence and effective training habits.
Aliya Khovrina
Senior Swim Coach
Aliya has more than 10 years of teaching experience in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, supported by a 12-year background in competitive swimming. She works with children and adults across different skill levels, combining strong technical knowledge with positive, supportive coaching that helps swimmers feel comfortable and make consistent progress.
Aliya has more than 10 years of teaching experience in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, supported by a 12-year background in competitive swimming. She works with children and adults across different skill levels, combining strong technical knowledge with positive, supportive coaching that helps swimmers feel comfortable and make consistent progress.
Tamila Kobernik
Senior Swim Coach
Tamila brings 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching. She has worked with swimmers of different ages, from children taking their first strokes to adults beginning or advancing their swimming journey. Her patient and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, enjoy their lessons and develop confidence through consistent technical progress.
Tamila brings 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching. She has worked with swimmers of different ages, from children taking their first strokes to adults beginning or advancing their swimming journey. Her patient and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, enjoy their lessons and develop confidence through consistent technical progress.
Marina Knyazeva
Senior Swim Coach
Marina brings a patient and attentive approach to swimming instruction, helping students develop strong fundamentals at a comfortable and productive pace. She focuses on clear explanations, proper technique and steady skill development, creating supportive swimming lessons where each student can become more confident, capable and independent in the water.
Marina brings a patient and attentive approach to swimming instruction, helping students develop strong fundamentals at a comfortable and productive pace. She focuses on clear explanations, proper technique and steady skill development, creating supportive swimming lessons where each student can become more confident, capable and independent in the water.
Aleksandra Malecka
Administration & Client Support
Aleksandra supports ISWIM families with registration, scheduling and ongoing communication. She helps parents understand available swimming programs, select suitable lessons and stay informed throughout the season. Her organized and approachable support makes the registration process clearer and helps families enjoy a smooth experience from their first inquiry onward.
Aleksandra supports ISWIM families with registration, scheduling and ongoing communication. She helps parents understand available swimming programs, select suitable lessons and stay informed throughout the season. Her organized and approachable support makes the registration process clearer and helps families enjoy a smooth experience from their first inquiry onward.
Vladimir Ushakov
Founder of ISWIM School
Olympian and coach with Canada’s Men’s 19U National Team. Vladimir competed professionally in water polo for 18 years, represented Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan internationally, and participated in the 2012 Olympic Games. He brings elite international experience to swimming instruction, technical development and athletic performance.
Olympian and coach with Canada’s Men’s 19U National Team. Vladimir competed professionally in water polo for 18 years, represented Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan internationally, and participated in the 2012 Olympic Games. He brings elite international experience to swimming instruction, technical development and athletic performance.
Ekaterina Rogatina
Senior Swim Coach
A former member of the Russian national junior swimming team, Ekaterina brings high-level competitive experience and a detailed understanding of swimming technique to every lesson. She works professionally and positively with students of different ages and abilities, helping each swimmer develop stronger skills, greater confidence and measurable progress in the water.
A former member of the Russian national junior swimming team, Ekaterina brings high-level competitive experience and a detailed understanding of swimming technique to every lesson. She works professionally and positively with students of different ages and abilities, helping each swimmer develop stronger skills, greater confidence and measurable progress in the water.
Nikolai Botsman
Senior Swim Coach
Nikolai brings 17 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 10 years of coaching. He represented his national team at World and European Championships and competed internationally in 10- and 16-kilometre open-water events. His relaxed, analytical coaching helps beginners and experienced swimmers improve technique, confidence and competitive performance.
Nikolai brings 17 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 10 years of coaching. He represented his national team at World and European Championships and competed internationally in 10- and 16-kilometre open-water events. His relaxed, analytical coaching helps beginners and experienced swimmers improve technique, confidence and competitive performance.
Biricik Eroglu
Senior Swim Coach
Biricik began competitive swimming in the Netherlands at age eight and continued her athletic career at Pepperdine University in California. After competing, she developed her coaching career in California before joining ISWIM. Her swimming lessons combine extensive competitive experience with patient instruction, positive encouragement and steady technical progress.
Biricik began competitive swimming in the Netherlands at age eight and continued her athletic career at Pepperdine University in California. After competing, she developed her coaching career in California before joining ISWIM. Her swimming lessons combine extensive competitive experience with patient instruction, positive encouragement and steady technical progress.
Senior Swim Coach
Oleksandr is a swimming coach and personal trainer with 18 years of international experience across Ukraine, India, Kuwait and Canada. A World Cup champion and International-Class Master of Sport in finswimming, he also holds professional qualifications in swimming coaching, physical education and personal training. His lessons combine technical precision with individualized development.
Oleksandr is a swimming coach and personal trainer with 18 years of international experience across Ukraine, India, Kuwait and Canada. A World Cup champion and International-Class Master of Sport in finswimming, he also holds professional qualifications in swimming coaching, physical education and personal training. His lessons combine technical precision with individualized development.
Anna Bubela
Senior Swim Coach
Anna brings 16 years of professional swimming and freediving experience in Ukraine, a master’s degree in Athletic Training in Water Sports and more than six years of coaching. She has taught swimmers of different ages and abilities, including students with special needs, using attentive instruction and carefully planned individual and group lessons.
Anna brings 16 years of professional swimming and freediving experience in Ukraine, a master’s degree in Athletic Training in Water Sports and more than six years of coaching. She has taught swimmers of different ages and abilities, including students with special needs, using attentive instruction and carefully planned individual and group lessons.
Jacob Lucci
Senior Swim Coach
Jacob developed as a competitive water polo player at the provincial and national levels, earning MVP and top-goalscorer honours at the 2018 Western National Championship. He now coaches children from foundational swimming through competitive water polo, creating positive, engaging sessions that build aquatic skills, confidence, teamwork and long-term athletic development.
Jacob developed as a competitive water polo player at the provincial and national levels, earning MVP and top-goalscorer honours at the 2018 Western National Championship. He now coaches children from foundational swimming through competitive water polo, creating positive, engaging sessions that build aquatic skills, confidence, teamwork and long-term athletic development.
Anna Novikova
Senior Swim Coach
Anna holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and specializes in flexible, individualized swim training. Her understanding of motivation and encouragement helps make swimming lessons productive and enjoyable. She adapts instruction to each student’s abilities and goals, supporting swimmers who are learning for recreation as well as those preparing for competitive swimming.
Anna holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and specializes in flexible, individualized swim training. Her understanding of motivation and encouragement helps make swimming lessons productive and enjoyable. She adapts instruction to each student’s abilities and goals, supporting swimmers who are learning for recreation as well as those preparing for competitive swimming.
Vladislav Soslovskyi
Senior Swim Coach
Vladislav is a former professional water polo player with more than 20 years of playing experience in Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia, followed by over 10 years of coaching. With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Physical Education, he helps swimmers and water polo athletes develop strong technique, confidence and effective training habits.
Vladislav is a former professional water polo player with more than 20 years of playing experience in Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia, followed by over 10 years of coaching. With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Physical Education, he helps swimmers and water polo athletes develop strong technique, confidence and effective training habits.
Aliya Khovrina
Senior Swim Coach
Aliya has more than 10 years of teaching experience in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, supported by a 12-year background in competitive swimming. She works with children and adults across different skill levels, combining strong technical knowledge with positive, supportive coaching that helps swimmers feel comfortable and make consistent progress.
Aliya has more than 10 years of teaching experience in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, supported by a 12-year background in competitive swimming. She works with children and adults across different skill levels, combining strong technical knowledge with positive, supportive coaching that helps swimmers feel comfortable and make consistent progress.
Tamila Kobernik
Senior Swim Coach
Tamila brings 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching. She has worked with swimmers of different ages, from children taking their first strokes to adults beginning or advancing their swimming journey. Her patient and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, enjoy their lessons and develop confidence through consistent technical progress.
Tamila brings 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching. She has worked with swimmers of different ages, from children taking their first strokes to adults beginning or advancing their swimming journey. Her patient and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, enjoy their lessons and develop confidence through consistent technical progress.
Marina Knyazeva
Senior Swim Coach
Marina brings a patient and attentive approach to swimming instruction, helping students develop strong fundamentals at a comfortable and productive pace. She focuses on clear explanations, proper technique and steady skill development, creating supportive swimming lessons where each student can become more confident, capable and independent in the water.
Marina brings a patient and attentive approach to swimming instruction, helping students develop strong fundamentals at a comfortable and productive pace. She focuses on clear explanations, proper technique and steady skill development, creating supportive swimming lessons where each student can become more confident, capable and independent in the water.
Aleksandra Malecka
Administration & Client Support
Aleksandra supports ISWIM families with registration, scheduling and ongoing communication. She helps parents understand available swimming programs, select suitable lessons and stay informed throughout the season. Her organized and approachable support makes the registration process clearer and helps families enjoy a smooth experience from their first inquiry onward.
Aleksandra supports ISWIM families with registration, scheduling and ongoing communication. She helps parents understand available swimming programs, select suitable lessons and stay informed throughout the season. Her organized and approachable support makes the registration process clearer and helps families enjoy a smooth experience from their first inquiry onward.
Vladimir Ushakov
Founder of ISWIM School
Olympian and coach with Canada’s Men’s 19U National Team. Vladimir competed professionally in water polo for 18 years, represented Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan internationally, and participated in the 2012 Olympic Games. He brings elite international experience to swimming instruction, technical development and athletic performance.
Olympian and coach with Canada’s Men’s 19U National Team. Vladimir competed professionally in water polo for 18 years, represented Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan internationally, and participated in the 2012 Olympic Games. He brings elite international experience to swimming instruction, technical development and athletic performance.
Ekaterina Rogatina
Senior Swim Coach
A former member of the Russian national junior swimming team, Ekaterina brings high-level competitive experience and a detailed understanding of swimming technique to every lesson. She works professionally and positively with students of different ages and abilities, helping each swimmer develop stronger skills, greater confidence and measurable progress in the water.
A former member of the Russian national junior swimming team, Ekaterina brings high-level competitive experience and a detailed understanding of swimming technique to every lesson. She works professionally and positively with students of different ages and abilities, helping each swimmer develop stronger skills, greater confidence and measurable progress in the water.
Nikolai Botsman
Senior Swim Coach
Nikolai brings 17 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 10 years of coaching. He represented his national team at World and European Championships and competed internationally in 10- and 16-kilometre open-water events. His relaxed, analytical coaching helps beginners and experienced swimmers improve technique, confidence and competitive performance.
Nikolai brings 17 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 10 years of coaching. He represented his national team at World and European Championships and competed internationally in 10- and 16-kilometre open-water events. His relaxed, analytical coaching helps beginners and experienced swimmers improve technique, confidence and competitive performance.
Biricik Eroglu
Senior Swim Coach
Biricik began competitive swimming in the Netherlands at age eight and continued her athletic career at Pepperdine University in California. After competing, she developed her coaching career in California before joining ISWIM. Her swimming lessons combine extensive competitive experience with patient instruction, positive encouragement and steady technical progress.
Biricik began competitive swimming in the Netherlands at age eight and continued her athletic career at Pepperdine University in California. After competing, she developed her coaching career in California before joining ISWIM. Her swimming lessons combine extensive competitive experience with patient instruction, positive encouragement and steady technical progress.
Senior Swim Coach
Oleksandr is a swimming coach and personal trainer with 18 years of international experience across Ukraine, India, Kuwait and Canada. A World Cup champion and International-Class Master of Sport in finswimming, he also holds professional qualifications in swimming coaching, physical education and personal training. His lessons combine technical precision with individualized development.
Oleksandr is a swimming coach and personal trainer with 18 years of international experience across Ukraine, India, Kuwait and Canada. A World Cup champion and International-Class Master of Sport in finswimming, he also holds professional qualifications in swimming coaching, physical education and personal training. His lessons combine technical precision with individualized development.
Anna Bubela
Senior Swim Coach
Anna brings 16 years of professional swimming and freediving experience in Ukraine, a master’s degree in Athletic Training in Water Sports and more than six years of coaching. She has taught swimmers of different ages and abilities, including students with special needs, using attentive instruction and carefully planned individual and group lessons.
Anna brings 16 years of professional swimming and freediving experience in Ukraine, a master’s degree in Athletic Training in Water Sports and more than six years of coaching. She has taught swimmers of different ages and abilities, including students with special needs, using attentive instruction and carefully planned individual and group lessons.
Jacob Lucci
Senior Swim Coach
Jacob developed as a competitive water polo player at the provincial and national levels, earning MVP and top-goalscorer honours at the 2018 Western National Championship. He now coaches children from foundational swimming through competitive water polo, creating positive, engaging sessions that build aquatic skills, confidence, teamwork and long-term athletic development.
Jacob developed as a competitive water polo player at the provincial and national levels, earning MVP and top-goalscorer honours at the 2018 Western National Championship. He now coaches children from foundational swimming through competitive water polo, creating positive, engaging sessions that build aquatic skills, confidence, teamwork and long-term athletic development.
Anna Novikova
Senior Swim Coach
Anna holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and specializes in flexible, individualized swim training. Her understanding of motivation and encouragement helps make swimming lessons productive and enjoyable. She adapts instruction to each student’s abilities and goals, supporting swimmers who are learning for recreation as well as those preparing for competitive swimming.
Anna holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and specializes in flexible, individualized swim training. Her understanding of motivation and encouragement helps make swimming lessons productive and enjoyable. She adapts instruction to each student’s abilities and goals, supporting swimmers who are learning for recreation as well as those preparing for competitive swimming.
Vladislav Soslovskyi
Senior Swim Coach
Vladislav is a former professional water polo player with more than 20 years of playing experience in Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia, followed by over 10 years of coaching. With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Physical Education, he helps swimmers and water polo athletes develop strong technique, confidence and effective training habits.
Vladislav is a former professional water polo player with more than 20 years of playing experience in Ukraine, Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia, followed by over 10 years of coaching. With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Physical Education, he helps swimmers and water polo athletes develop strong technique, confidence and effective training habits.
Aliya Khovrina
Senior Swim Coach
Aliya has more than 10 years of teaching experience in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, supported by a 12-year background in competitive swimming. She works with children and adults across different skill levels, combining strong technical knowledge with positive, supportive coaching that helps swimmers feel comfortable and make consistent progress.
Aliya has more than 10 years of teaching experience in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, supported by a 12-year background in competitive swimming. She works with children and adults across different skill levels, combining strong technical knowledge with positive, supportive coaching that helps swimmers feel comfortable and make consistent progress.
Tamila Kobernik
Senior Swim Coach
Tamila brings 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching. She has worked with swimmers of different ages, from children taking their first strokes to adults beginning or advancing their swimming journey. Her patient and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, enjoy their lessons and develop confidence through consistent technical progress.
Tamila brings 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching. She has worked with swimmers of different ages, from children taking their first strokes to adults beginning or advancing their swimming journey. Her patient and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, enjoy their lessons and develop confidence through consistent technical progress.
Marina Knyazeva
Senior Swim Coach
Marina brings a patient and attentive approach to swimming instruction, helping students develop strong fundamentals at a comfortable and productive pace. She focuses on clear explanations, proper technique and steady skill development, creating supportive swimming lessons where each student can become more confident, capable and independent in the water.
Marina brings a patient and attentive approach to swimming instruction, helping students develop strong fundamentals at a comfortable and productive pace. She focuses on clear explanations, proper technique and steady skill development, creating supportive swimming lessons where each student can become more confident, capable and independent in the water.
Aleksandra Malecka
Administration & Client Support
Aleksandra supports ISWIM families with registration, scheduling and ongoing communication. She helps parents understand available swimming programs, select suitable lessons and stay informed throughout the season. Her organized and approachable support makes the registration process clearer and helps families enjoy a smooth experience from their first inquiry onward.
Aleksandra supports ISWIM families with registration, scheduling and ongoing communication. She helps parents understand available swimming programs, select suitable lessons and stay informed throughout the season. Her organized and approachable support makes the registration process clearer and helps families enjoy a smooth experience from their first inquiry onward.
CAREERS AT ISWIM
Interested in Joining Our Coaching Team?
We are always interested in connecting with skilled, responsible and enthusiastic swimming instructors who want to help swimmers grow.
ISWIM LOCATIONS
Find a Program Near You
Meet the ISWIM coaching team at a location near you. Explore swimming and water polo programs across Burnaby, Abbotsford and Surrey, then select a location to view available lessons, schedules and registration options.
bottom of page